Detecting the invisible: fluorescence-based identification of chemical threats

Fluorescence-based sensing has the potential for sensitive (trace), rapid and selective detection of chemical threats and is compatible with low power portable detectors that can be used in the field by military personnel, first responders, healthcare workers and those tasked with environmental monitoring. Chemical threats can include illicit drugs, toxic industrial chemicals, pesticides improvised explosive devices, and chemical warfare agents. This presentation will use practical examples to introduce different modes of fluorescence sensing, illustrate the key issues relating to solid-state detection of chemical vapours, and multivariate strategies to achieve selective chemical threat detection.